15 Jul 2010

Els says Woods still the one to beat at St Andrews

4:30 pm on 15 July 2010

The big golf news is that Tiger Woods has officially split - with the putter that's won him 160-million dollars, and 13 of his 14 major titles.

On the eve of the 150th Open championship at the home of golf, Woods has tossed aside the club that hasn't served him so well, and he'll be using a new one made by his major sponsor, more suitable to slower greens.

But the former world number one Ernie Els still regards Woods as the player to beat over the next four days at St Andrews.

He says Woods might have lost a bit of his aura and some others are closing in on him, but he's still the main target for everyone.

Meanwhile another high profile player taking a radical step to address his putting woes is South Korea's KJ Choi, who's revealed he'll be adopting a "side-saddle" address he's been working on, facing the hole with his belly putter and using a croquet-style motion.

More strong winds and rain are forecast for tonight's opening round.